Porter takes a new job

WASHINGTON -- Former Republican Rep. Jon Porter has taken a job as director of public policy in the Washington office of Akerman Senterfitt, a lobbying and government affairs shop that specializes in several issues familiar to Nevadans.

Porter lost his re-election bid for a fourth term representing the Henderson-area district to Democratic Rep. Dina Titus last fall. The former congressman is often mentioned as a likely opponent to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in 2010.

Porter will take the post at the firm that counts gaming, water and energy policy among its specialties. It also deals in health care, insurance and transportation -- issues that were at the forefront of Porter’s work in Congress.

In announcing the hire this morning, the firm noted Porter’s background as a “public figure who is well known for his bipartisan negotiating skills, as well as his expertise in the areas of taxes, health care, transportation and education.” The firm said he looks forward to representing Nevada clients in Washington.